Imagine spending your days hopping between beautiful beaches. Sounds like a perfect holiday, right? And, doing that in Langkawi can be worth every single minute.
There is a reason why people don’t think twice about coming here. You have many of the best beaches in Langkawi, each offering breathtaking views and a relaxing seaside vibe.
What is impressive about the Langkawi beaches?
The beaches in Langkawi vary from busy spots with bars to quiet bays hidden in the rainforests. Most of all, the vibe and the friendly locals will be a core part of your trip. They are always ready to share their fishing traditions, stories, and delicious food culture.
Let’s Explore the Best Beaches in Langkawi
Whether you want romance, adventure, or quiet time, Langkawi’s beaches offer it all. The best part is, you won’t just be limited to typical beach activities. The thrilling water activities in Langkawi will make your trip more enjoyable.
Moreover, you’ll find the Sky Bridge with amazing views, night markets and mangrove boat tours. It’s about the whole experience of island life.
Pantai Cenang Beach
You can reach here quickly and easily. Pantai Cenang Beach is just 10 minutes from Langkawi International Airport.
The sand here is soft, and you have clear water and beach bars all along the shore. A lot of families come here and can see children build sandcastles.
At sunset, the sky turns beautiful shades of purple and orange. And with shallow water, anyone can swim.
- Activities: Jet skiing, parasailing, swimming, banana boat rides, & snorkeling.
- Eateries to try: La Sal Restaurant, Smiling Buffalo Cafe, Tapaz Langkawi, & Rainbow Langkawi.
Tips: You need to come before 9:00 am to get good spots, avoid crowds and get a parking spot. If you are visiting from January to June, watch out for jellyfish.
Tanjung Rhu Beach
Head to the northern part of Langkawi, about 30 minutes from the airport. You have traffic-free roads, so ride a scooty and feel the breeze through the palm trees.
Then, when you reach the beach, it welcomes you with its tranquil atmosphere. It is well-maintained with lifeguards and security, so it’s very safe for anyone coming here.
- Activities: Boat tours to mangroves, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, boating, jet skiing, and ATVs to rent.
- Eateries to try: Restoran Seafood Anis Tanjung Rhu, Ikan-Ikan, and Kelapa Grill.
Tips: There are mostly expensive resort restaurants nearby, so you can take your own food and drinks when visiting the beach.
Pantai Tengah Beach
From Pantai Cenang Beach, Pantai Tengah Beach is just 3.8 km south. You can reach here in just 17 – 20 minutes from the airport.
While Cenang Beach can be crowded compared to this one, the waves here are gentle, and you get nice beach cafés that serve good food without the party environment.
This is a great family beach in Langkawi that balances calm water, good facilities, and peaceful vibes without feeling secluded.
- Activities: Safe for swimming for children, jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, banana boat, beach volleyball, and massages on the beach.
- Eateries to try: Yellow Beach Cafe, Hidden Langkawi, Zhong Hua Lou Restaurant, and Maroush Restaurant.
Tips: The southern end near Bon Ton Resort gives you the quietest spot. You can find the best stays in Langkawi right on this beach; they cost less than in Cenang.
Datai Bay Beach
It takes 40 minutes to travel from the airport to Datai Bay Beach. But the routes you take will lead you through an ancient rainforest to reach this hidden bay.
The beach is like a grand setting, as the rainforest meets the ocean. You have rare and beautiful creatures like hornbills, eagles, and monitor lizards that regularly appear.
There are only a few luxury resorts here, so it never gets crowded. This makes it the best spot for honeymoon couples who want luxury resort-quality accommodations alongside wild nature.
- Activities: Guided rainforest walks, wildlife tours, Mangrove boat tours, sessions with marine biologists, snorkeling, kayaking, and taking a short drive to the nearby Seven Wells Waterfall.
- Must try Eateries: The Pavilion, The Beach Club & The Gulai House, Hornbill Cafe.
Tips: If you have come privately and are not staying at the resort, please respect the resort areas. There are monkeys here, so you need to keep your things secure from them when on the beach.
Pantai Pasir Hitam Beach
Another famous name for Pantai Pasir Hitam beach is the Black Sand Beach. It is just 25 minutes from the airport.
This beach has black sand, creating unique patterns. The dark colour comes from minerals like tourmaline. And, there are rock formations on both ends of the beach that make tide pools.
One of the best parts is that fewer tourists are coming here, so you often have the beach to yourself.
- Activities: Boat tours to islands, swimming, exploring tide pools, and taking a short drive to Langkawi Wildlife Park.
- Eateries to try: Langkawi Sushi
Tips: There are not many activities here; it’s better to combine your visit with nearby places.
Pasir Tengkorak Beach
From the airport, Pasir Tengkorak Beach is 30 minutes away. This beach is also named “Skull Beach” after old human remains that were found here long ago.
At present, the beach is beautiful with soft sand and clear water. Many local families picnic here on weekends, but weekdays are almost empty.
This is one of the most secluded beaches in Langkawi, which you can drive to. You have a dramatic natural setting, and still, there is no commercial development. You can fully enjoy a laid-back beach life.
- Activities: Swimming, picnicking, snorkeling, and visiting the Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi for more fun activities.
Tips: The monkeys on the beach get aggressive. So, be careful when you have food items with you and don’t feed them. Also, note that there are no eateries nearby.
Telaga Harbour
This is not a beach spot in Langkawi, but you can stay in Telaga Harbour to see yachts filled in the harbour, which offers the best spot for photography. It is located near the marina complex, about 22 minutes from the airport.
Telaga Harbour is considered upscale among the other spots in Langkawi. There are a few cute boutique, high-end restaurants, and a walking promenade. Your experience will feel like Mediterranean Europe.
However, the Pantai Kok Beach is just 2 km from here, so it’s better to combine both for a varied experience.
- Activities: Waterfront dining, walking on the promenade, sunset cruises & outdoor cinema.
- Eateries to try: The Terrace at The Danna.
Tips: Book dinner reservations in advance at popular places, and the best time to visit is late afternoons, as you have cooler weather and sunset views.
Beras Basah Island
This is a small island near Langkawi. You can only reach Beras Basah Island by boat tour from Pantai Cenang or Kuah jetty.
Coming here will give you a real deserted-island experience, unlike hopping from beach to beach in Langkawi.
There are no buildings here, as it is a genuine uninhabited island with untouched beaches. You will find only a few simple stalls and no fancy cafes or restaurants.
- Activities: When you book a tour package, the guide takes you on a few water activities and provides you with the equipment.
Tip: Take drinks, snacks, or anything you might need, as the stalls might even be closed.
Teluk Burau Beach
From the airport, travel for 30 minutes to the western coastline. It is considered a hidden gem because it offers a peaceful retreat away from the busier beaches in Langkawi.
This beach gives you a mix of swimming and land-based activities, so it is suitable for travellers who want more than just water sports.
- Activities: Sunbath, hike to Machinchang Peak, bike ride, visit Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls & Oriental Village.
- Eateries to try: The OPEN Cafe Studio
Tips: Come prepared, as there are no stores or restaurants. Weekdays are best for privacy, but you also need to watch out for wildlife. Stay safe!
Pantai Kok Beach
On the northwest coast, near Oriental Village, you can find Pantai Kok Beach, about 20 minutes from the airport.
The experience here is a blend of beach time and mountain attractions. The shore faces forested hills, so the views will be beautiful and dramatic.
Teluk Burau and Pantai Kok Beach are close, with just 900 metres apart. A slight difference is that Pantai Kok has high-end resorts, but you can stay anywhere and easily walk to the beach.
- Activities: In addition to water activities, you can also visit nearby attractions like Telaga Harbour Park, Langkawi SkyCab, & Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls.
- Must-try eateries: Beach Brasserie, German Food Corner (1024783-W) & Restaurant Marhaba Langkawi.
Tips: You can park at Oriental Village, 1 km from the beach. Beach parking can be filled at times, so walk along the beautiful pathway.
Conclusion
Langkawi’s beaches can be a busy social spot or a hidden natural getaway. Each of them offers its own style and unique atmosphere.
Once you read this blog, you will know a lot more about these beautiful beaches in Langkawi. Pantai Cenang has a lot of energy, while Beras Basah Island feels like your own private land.
Plus, this duty-free shopping makes this island everyone’s favourite. Your Langkawi trip will be more than just beach time. You’ll experience local culture, try exciting water sports, watch incredible sunsets, and find that rare mix of modern comfort and tropical nature. So, don’t wait up!
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Beaches in Langkawi
When is the best time to visit Langkawi beaches?
The best time to visit Lankawi depends on your activity preference and budget.
- November through April: To enjoy every bit of Langkawi’s beaches, visit during this time. Perfect sunny days with only minimal rainfall, since it is an island. And the crowd is balanced.
- December through March: This is a peak season. So, at any beach you visit, there will be larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.
- May through October: During this time, afternoon thunderstorms are frequent, and you have rough seas. It can limit beach activities, though mornings often remain pleasant.
What activities are available at Langkawi beaches?
If you want to experience all the water sports and beach activities in Langkawi, visit Pantai Cenang. You have the widest variety of activities.
- Jet skiing
- Parasailing
- Banana boat rides
- Stand-up paddleboard
- Kayaks
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving
- Sunset cruises and so many.
How can you get around different beaches in Langkawi or even any other places on the island?
Option 1: Use Grab.
Grab is like the Ola and Uber of India. If you are not travelling around much, this would be the best option.
Option 2: Rent a scooter.
There are many rental spots around Langkawi or near the airport. It can cost you approximately 800 INR per day. This is an excellent option if you want to visit multiple places and many famous spots within the island.
What should you pack for a beach vacation in Langkawi?
You need to do targeted packing, especially if your days are spent in water. Here is a must that should be in your package
Things to pack for a perfect beach time in Langkawi
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water shoes
- Insect repellent
- Sun hat or umbrella
- Swimwear
- Breathable clothing
- A jacket when it gets cold
- Waterproof phone cases
- Dry bag
